Rotatable cylinder coating apparatus



Feb. 8, 1955 J. B. M ooRE 2,701,543

ROTATABLE CYLINDER coATING APPARATUS IN V EN TOR.

Feb. 8, 1955 J. B. MOORE 2,701,543

ROTATABLE CYLINDER COATING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 2, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 J. B. MOORE ROTATABLE CYLINDER COATING VAPPARATUS Feb. 8, 1955 Filed Feb. 2, 1951 IN1/EN TOR.

/ fnd/ff United States Patent C) ROTATABLE CYLINDER COATING APPARATUS James Ballard Moore, Chicago, Ill., assignor to United Biscuit Company of America, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application February 2, 1951, Serial No. 209,119 18 Claims. (Cl. 118-53) This invention relates to the art of printing and more palliticularly to the preparation of printing cylinders or ro s.

One manner of preparing printing rolls is to form thereon an etched surface which presents printed mattei, a design, or other material. To prepare the etched surface a sensitized coating is first placed on the surface of the printing cylinder and the cylinder is then exposed photographically or in any other suitable manner to produce the desired pattern or design thereon. The sensitized coatings are generally of the type which become insoluble in water upon exposure to light and form socalled resists. After the exposure and subsequent proper treatment, the exposed portions of the coating remain on the cylinder and protect these desired portions of the cylinder surface while the unexposed portions are washed away leaving bared portions which are etched with a suitable material.

The present invention is particularly directed to an apparatus for applying the light sensitive resist coating to a cylinder surface. It is the general practice to apply the coating material as a liquid while rotating the printing cylinder on a table about its own longitudinal axis and if desired while also rotating the table so as to rotate the cylinder about an axis disposed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis. After a coating of the liquid has been applied to the cylinder, the coating is dried to produce the desired light sensitive coating. In order to obtain the best results it has been found necessary to rotate the cylinder about its longitudinal axis and/or about an axis disposed perpendicularly to its axis while drying the coating, as well as while applying the liquid material. In effecting these results difficulty is encountered in providing satisfactory means to control the speeds of rotation of the table and the cylinder about the two axes set forth above and adjustably control such two speeds y both relatively to each other and also independently of each other while at the same time providing a stationary mounting for the drive motors, for stability, accessibility and adjustment.

To achieve optimum results it is also necessary to exi clude substantially all dirt and dust from the coating chamber. rapidly moving and rotating surface, a substantial quantity of the liquid will be thrown from the surface to the surroundings. These factors dictate the necessity of providing protective means for the cylinder during the coating process, but here diiculty is encountered in preserving the ready accessibility of the parts.

A still further problem presented in apparatus of the foregoing type, is the provision of a simpler yet satisfactory means for applying a controlled heat to the cylinder during the drying operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved coating apparatus for printing cylinders; and more specifically, it is an object to provide improved means for rotating a printing cylinder about its longitudinal axis and simultaneously about an axis disposed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, while applying a coating thereto.

Still more specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide drive means for rotating a printing cylinder about its longitudinal axis and also about an axis disposed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis wherein the prime movers for driving the cylinder are stationarily mounted for accessibility, stability and adjustment.

Another object of the invention is to provide an irn- Also, since the liquid is being applied to a;

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proved mounting for printing cylinders to be used while coating the cylinders in the manner set forth above, pr o viding increased accessibility and stability for the cylmders and the associated parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved housing to be used with printing cylinders when coating the cylinders, the housing serving to protect the cylinders from dust and dirt, and to collect the liquid material thrown from the rotating cylinder and to convey this thrown liquid material to a point of collection, while at the same time preserving the ready accessibility of the cylinders for inspection and replacement, as may be desired.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved means for drying the coating on the printing cylinders.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood when taken in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used throughout:

Figure l is a vertical view in section showing a printing cylinder mounted in position for coating within a coating apparatus made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view in vertical section substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a plan view on a reduced scale of the coating apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged horizontal section substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 4 4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial view in vertical section illustrating the clutch mechanism of Figure l and showing a printing cylinder having heating coils mounted therein;

Figure 6 is a view in vertical section of the clutch mechanism as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 6 6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a view in vertical section as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 7 7 of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the epicyclic gear train which is used to drive the printing cylinder;

Figure 9 is a View in cross section of the drive shown in Figure 8 as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 9 9 thereof;

Figure l0 is a View similar to Figure 1 showing a modified form of drive for the printing cylinder;

Figure l1 is a partial enlarged view in vertical section as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 11 11 of Figure l0; and

Figure 12 is a horizontal section on a reduced scale along the line 12 12 of Figure l0.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figures l through 4 thereof, there is shown a coating apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 20, made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention. Coating apparatus 20 comprises generally a stationary substantially circular upstanding housing 22, a cover 24 hingedly connected to housing 22, a cover 24 hingedly connected to housing 22, and a table 26 rotatably mounted in housing 22.

Housing 22 includes a cylindrical outer wall 2S having formed integral therewith a laterally and inwardly extending liange 30 which in turn has formed on the inner circumference thereof an upstanding and vertically directed flange 32. The lower portion of wall 28, ilange 30, and flange 32 form a trough 34 whose function will be described more fully hereinafter. Means is provided for suitably supporting housing 22 in the form of a plurality of legs 36 disposed at suitable intervals around the circumference of housing 22 and bearing against flange 30.

Cover 24 is formed substantially in the form of a truncated right cone and includes a generally inwardly and upwardly sloping wall 38 having a flattened top 40. The outer circumference of wall 38 is slightly greater than the circumference of wall 28 whereby cover 24 overlies the entire area enclosed by wall 2S. A pivotal connection is made between cover 24 and housing 22 by means bf a hinge 42, see Figure 2. A handle 44 is provided on the portion of wall 38 disposed away from hinge 42 and a counterweight 46 is provided to aid in opening or lifting cover 24 when it is desired to obtain access to the interior of housing 22.

Table 26 is circular in shape and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of wall 28 of housing 22. Formed on the outer circumference of table 26 and extending downwardly and at right angles thereto is a llange 48 which serves to protect some of the drive mechanisms to be described hereinafter. Mounted on table 26 and extending substantially along a diameter thereof is a cylinder container, generally designated by the numeral 50. Container 50 includes a bottom 52 which is substantially rectangular in shape, the longitudinal center line of bottom 52 extending along a diameter of table 26. Formed on the longitudinally extending edges of bottom 52 are walls 54 and 56 which extend the entire length of bottom 52. The ends of bottom 52 have extending upwardly therefrom a pair of walls 58 and 60, walls 58 and 60 being provided with vertically extending slots which receive the axle supporting the cylinder which is to be described hereinafter. Any suitable method can be used to attach container 50 to table 26, such as welding at points 62. The width of container 50 is slightly greater than the diameter of a printing cylinder to be coated therein and the length of container 50 is slightly longer than a cylinder to be coated.

Mounted adjacent the end walls 58-60 and spaced outwardly therefrom are a pair of support pedestals 64 and 66, each pedestal being provided with a substantially U- shaped slot 68 in the upper end thereof to receive an axle '70 on which is mounted a printing cylinder or roll 72 which is to be coated. Cylinder 72 may be of any desired type, the one shown for purposes of illustration being circular in shape and hollow, the ends having inwardly extending flanges having holes formed therein to receive axle 70. A coupling nut 74 fixedly connects cylinder 72 to axle 70.

Means is provided for driving axle 70 whereby to rotate cylinder 72 about its longitudinal axis, the driving means including a shaft 76 mounted in a pair of bearing brackets 78 and 80 which are attached to and depend from the bottom of table 26. One end of shaft 76, the end disposed to the left as viewed in Figure 1, has attached thereto a pulley 82. A belt 84 engages and is driven by pulley 82 and drives a second pulley 86. Pulley 86 is mounted upon a shaft 88 which is supported by a bearing pedestal 90 mounted on the upper side of table 26.

A clutch mechanism is provided for releasably interconnecting shafts 70 and 88. The details of the clutch mechanism can be best seen in Figures l and 5. Attached to the left hand end of shaft 70 as viewed in Figure l, is a clutch plate 92 having a clutch face directed to the left. Clutch plate 92 is held in xed relationship upon shaft 70 by means of a pin 94. Slideably mounted upon shaft 88 is a second clutch plate 96 including a ange portion 98.

A key 100, see Figure 6, provides a driving connection between shaft 88 and the flange 98 of clutch plate 96. A spring 102 is positioned between pulley 86 and ange 98 and is effective to urge clutch plate 96 into driving engagement with clutch plate 92. Means is provided for preventing the clutch plate 96 from leaving the end of shaft 88 under the influence of spring 102, this retaining means being in the form of a pin 104 iixedly attached to shaft 88 and disposed in a slot in flange 98. The axle 70 can be removed from driving relationship with shaft 88 by withdrawing the clutch plate 96 to the left as shown in Figure and then lifting the axle 70 vertically upwardly. When axle 70 is removed, the pin 104 prevents clutch plate 96 from leaving the end of shaft 88. To reinsert axle 70 the clutch plate 96 is withdrawn to the left, the axle 70 placed in position, and clutch plate 96 released whereby spring 102 urges plate 96 into engaging relationship with clutch plate 92. n order to limit longitudinal movement of the axle 70 within pedestal 64-66, a collar 106 is attached to the right hand end of axle 70, as viewed in Figures l and 5, by means of a pin 108.

Table 26 has formed integral therewith a downwardly directed substantially circular casing 110 which is best seen in Figure 8. Casing 110 is rotatably mounted upon a support 112, a ball bearing structure 114 being interposed between casing 110, see Figure 9, and support 112, see Figure l0, to provide for substantially frictionless movement therebetween. The lower end of support 112 threadedly receives an outwardly extending flange 1,1 5

which provides a mounting for support 112. The lower edge of casing is threaded as at 116 to receive a retainer ring 118 which aligns with an outwardly directed flange 120 formed on support 112 to prevent axial separation between casing 110 and support 12).

Means is provided, as seen in Figure 8, for rotating casing 110 which in turn will cause rotation of table 26 and all parts carried thereon including the printing cylinder 72; this rotating means including a radially and outwardly directed flange 122 formed integral on the lower edge of casing 110. There is disposed on the outer circumference ot' flange 122 a plurality of teeth 124 which engage a chain 126 in driving relationship. Referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that chain 126 also engages a pulley 128 which is driven by a motor 130. Motor 130 may be of any suitable type, a preferred example being a variable speed electric motor. When motor 130 is operating, table 26 is rotated through the action of chain 126 engaging the teeth on casing 110. Rotation of table 26 causes rotation of the printing cylinder 72 about a central, vertical axis disposed substantially perpendicularly of the longitudinal horizontal axis of the cylinder. As will be understood, any suitable speed control mechanism may be provided for varying the speed of motor 130. Suitable reversing mechanism may also be provided for the motor, if desired.

It is desirable when applying the liquid coating to cylinder 72 to rotate cylinder 72 at varying speeds about its own longitudinal horizontal axis by rotating axle 70. It is further desirable to be able to control the speed of rotation of cylinder 72 about such longitudinal horizontal axis either while the table is rotating or not rotating, and in a manner which is entirely independent of and not inuenced by either the direction or speed of rotation of table 26. To this end an epicyclic gear train shown in Figures 8 and 9 is provided to drive the shaft 76, which causes rotation of axle '70. rf'ne shaft 76 is in eifect the output of this epicyclic gear train, the input being obtained from shaft 132. One end of shaft 132 is connected through a pair of bevel gears 134 and 136 to the drive shaft of a variable speed motor 138, see Figure l, stationarily mounted upon the base frame of the machine for ready accessibility and control. Motor 138 is preferably an electric motor but it is to be understood that any other suitable prime mover may be used. The other end of shaft 132 extends into support 112 and is supported by a bearing flange 140 formed in the wall of support 112. Aftixed to the end of shaft 132 disposed within support 112 is a bevel gear 1412 which meshes with a second bevel gear 144.-. Motor 138 may be reversible and may have well known means for adjusting its speeds in either direction of rotation.

A laterally disposed spider 146 is formed in support 112 approximately two-thirds of the way up from the bottom thereof and provides a bearing 148. Mounted in bearing 148 is a vertically extending shaft 15@ which carries on one end thereof the bevel gear 1li-l and on the other end thereof a second bevel gear 152. Bevel gear 152 meshes with a pair of bevel gears 1542 and 156 which are carried by shafts 158 and 160. Shafts 158-160 are in turn mounted in a ring gear 162. Bevel gears 154-156 also mesh with a second bevel gear 164 mounted on a vertically extending shaft 166. Shaft 166 is journalled in a bearing formed in a transversely disposed wall 168 attached to and mounted in casing 110. The upper end of shaft 166 carries a bevel gear 170 which meshes with a second bevel gear 172 mounted on the end of shaft 76 disposed within casing 110.

Wall 168 has a depending portion which in conjunction with the outer wall of casing 110 forms a support for a shaft 174. Mounted on shaft 174 are a pair of integral gears 176 and 178, gears 176 and 17S being formed as a single gear with two sets of teeth formed thereon. Gears 176 and 178 each have the same number of teeth formed thereon, a preferred number of teeth being 10. The teeth of gear 176 mesh with a face gear 180 formed on the upwardly extending edge of stationary support 112. The teeth of gear 173 similarly mesh with the teeth formed on ring gear 162. Gear 162 has formed thereon exactly twice as many teeth as does gear 180, gear 162 preferably having 60 teeth formed thereon and gear 180 having preferably 30 teeth formed thereon.

If it be desired to drive axle 70 so as to rotate the cylinder on its own longitudinal axis, without rotation worms of the table 26, motor 138 is energized and motor 130 is deenergized. Operation of motor 138 drives shaft 132 which in turn drives shaft 150 of the differential or epicyclic gear train. Inasmuch as casing 110 is stationary, gears 176 and 178 remain stationary and ring gear 162 is locked in xed or stationary position. Accordingly operation of shaft 150 causes gear 152 to drive gears 154-156 which in turn drive gear 164 and the associated shafts 166 and 76 to rotate the cylinder 72 upon its longitudinal axis at a desired speed. During such operation gears 154-156 rotate, but their pivot axes 158-160 remain stationary. Adjustment of the speed of motor 138 correspondingly adjusts the speed of rotation of the cylinder 72.

Conversely, if it be desired to rotate table 26 without rotation of the cylinder 72 upon its longitudinal axis, motor 130 is energized and motor 138 is deenergized. Operation of motor 130 drives the casing 110 to drive table 26 at a desired speed, adjustment of the speed of rotation of the motor effecting a corresponding adjustment of the speed of the table. During such operation, inasmuch as shaft 132 remains fixed, shaft 150 likewise remains fixed. As casing 110 rotates, gear 176 in effect walks around the stationary ring gear 180 whereby to drive the spider ring gear 162. This in turn causes the translation or rotation of the gears 15%156, which due to their meshing engagement with the fixed gear 152 impart a rotation to gear 164; but due to the speed ratio of the parts the rotation thus impared to the gear 164 and its associated shaft 166 is identical with the rotation of the casing 110 so that there is no relative movement between the casing 110 and shaft 166. Accordingly no rotation is imparted to shaft 76 or to the cylinder drive shaft 70.

In a similar manner the motors 130 and 138 may be simultaneously operated, and their speeds individually varied and controiled; and at no time will operation of one influence the operation of the other. In other words, the rotation of cylinder 72 upon its own axis depends entirely upon the speed of operation of the motor 138, irrespective of whatever motion is or is not imparted to the table.

When it is desired to coat a printing cylinder 72 with a resist material, the cylinder is mounted upon axle 70 and positioned within the coating apparatus, the clutch plates 92-96 being placed in operative relation. The cover 24 is then closed and rotation of cylinder 72 at any desired speed about its longitudinal axis begun by energizing motor 138. Cylinder 72 will have been previously cleaned or if desired it can be cleaned while in position within the coating apparatus by applying suitable wash solutions thereto. After the cylinder 72 has been cleaned and while it is still rotating about its longitudinal axis, a liquid solution of the coating material is applied to the cylinder. Means for applying the coating material is provided in the form of a delivery tube 182 which extends through the top 40 of cover 24. When in the applying position, the end of delivery tube 182 is disposed a short distance away from the surface of the cylinder 72 and at substantially the center of the length thereof. A flexible connection as at 184 is made between the tube 182 and the source for the liquid material so that the cover 24 can be swung about its hinge 42 without disconnecting the tube 182.

If desired, the cylinder 72 can also be rotated at varying speeds about an axis disposed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis while applying or after applying the coating material by energizing motor 130. Preferably after the initial coating has been applied rotation of table 26 is begun whereby to aid in spreading the coating material over the entire surface of cylinder 72. After the coating is applied, it is desirable to dry the coating and to this end a pair of air inlets 186-188 are provided which are mounted on cover 24 and are directed inwardly thereof. Any desired means is provided for either adjustably heating or adjustably cooling the air entering the air inlets 186-188 for processing the coating.

As the cylinder 72 is rotated with a liquid solution of the coating material disposed thereon, a portion of the coating material may be thrown from the cylinder to the walls of the container 50. This thrown coating material collects at the bottom of container 50 and is carried by a pair of pipes 190 and 192 to the trough 34 where it is collected. A drain 194 is provided for trough 34 whereby the coating material can be removed for flurther use or can be conducted to a sewer for disposa In addition to hitting the walls of container 50, the thrown coating material will be directed upwardly against the inside surface of wall 38 of the cover 24. The inclined structure of wall 38 will tend to cause the coating material to flow therealong until it reaches the wall 28 of housing 22 and thereby is drained to trough 34. This shape of wall 38 causes the majority of the thrown coating material striking this wall to be carried to trough 34 instead of being thrown or dropped on the various moving parts whereby to impair the operation of these parts.

To further aid in drying the wet applied coating material, a set of heating coils 196 and 198, see Figure 2, are mounted on the walls 54 and 56 respectively of container 50. The manner in which heating potential and current is applied to the coils 196-198 can be best seen from Figures 1, 4, and 8. There is provided on the outer circumference of casing below the point of entrance of shaft 76 a circumferentially extending conducting ring 200 which is provided with potential and current from a brush 202, see Figure 4. Brush 202 is mounted in a holder 204 which is connected to a source of potential 206 and is urged into contacting relationship by a spring 208. The ring 200 is connected by a wire 210 to one of the terminals of the heating coils 196-198, wire 210 preferably passing upwardly through the wall of casing 110. The other terminal of the heating coils 196-198 is grounded through the table 26 by means of wire 211.

There is shown in Figures 5 and 7 a modified form of a printing cylinder which can be coated to advantage using the coating apparatus of the present invention. This form of printing cylinder 212 has a plurality of heating elements 214 mounted therein. The heating elements 214 are utilized to aid the drying of the wet coating material while the cylinder 212 is being rotated about its longitudinal axis and about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this form of the invention wire 210 is connected to pedestal 66 whereby to charge this pedestal. Pedestal 66 is insulated from table 26 in any suitable manner such as by an insulating layer 216. Mounted on the axle 70 is a coating of insulating material 218 about which is placed a conducting sleeve 220. Sleeve 220 is in electrical contact with the charged pedestal 66 but is effectively electrically insulated from axle 70. Sleeve 220 extends through an insulating collar 222 and is connected to the heating elements 214 as at 224. The other ends of the heating elements 214 are connected to axle 70 through connections 226 and are grounded to the table 26. It will be seen that heating potential and current, adjusted as may be desired, can be applied to coils 214 while the cylinder is rotated about its longitudinal axis and while the table 26 is being rotated. Or the cylinder may be rotated after being coated or while being coated and the heating coils 214 then turned on. In addition, Fig. 5 may be provided with means for adjustably introducing cooling air or water onto the rotatable cylinder 212. For instance, such cooling air may be introduced under pressure through conduits similar to the conduits 186 and 188 previously described. This provision for cooling medium may be independent of or in addition to the heating means 214, and there may be adjustable controls for the volume and temperature of this cooling uid.

There is shown in Figures 10 through l2 another form of the invention. In this form of the invention the pulley 86 has been shown directly connected to axle 70 but it is to be understood that a clutch mechanism of the type shown in Figures l and 5 can be used. The table drive from motor to the table housing 26 is as in the rst described embodiment.

The structure for mounting table 26 is changed, see Figure 1l, the shaft 166 carrying the gear 170 being rotatably mounted within the casing 110 on a pair of ball bearings 228 and 230. The lower end of shaft 166 is mounted in a support 232 and positioned between support 232 and casing 110 on shaft 166 is a drive pulley 234. Pulley 234 is driven from a motor 236 by means of a chain 238.

To rotate the cylinder 72 about its longitudinal axis without rotating table 26, motor 236 is energized and motor 130 is held inoperative. Motor 236 drives shaft 166 through chain 238 and shaft 166 in turn rotates shaft 76. Rotation of shaft 76 through belt drive 84 causes rotation of cylinder '72. In the event that it is desired to rotate table 26 without rotating cylinder 72 about its longitudinal axis, both motors 139 and 236 must be energized and operated at such a speed that the casing 110 and shaft 166 move in the same direction and at the same number of revolutions per minute. Should it be desired to cause rotation of cylinder 72 about its longitudinal axis while rotating table 26, the motors 130 and 236 are driven at such speeds as to cause the casing 110 to make more or less revolutions per minute than does shaft 166. The direction of rotation of cylinder 72 about its longitudinal axis will depend upon the relative directions of rotation of casing 110 and shaft 66 and the relative revolutions per minute. By properly controlling the speeds of motors 130 and 236, any desired combination of motions of cylinder 72 with respect to table 26 can be obtained. Each of the motors is provided with desired adjustable speed controls, and one or both motors may be reversible if desired and the reverse may be provided with adjustable speeds. The cylinder heating and cooling devices are operable at any time either while the cylinder is rotating about one or both axes, or while not rotating. Preferably the heating and cooling are operative after the coating operation has been completed and while the cylinder is rotating about either or about both axes.

It will be seen that there has been provided a coating apparatus which fulfills all of the above objects and advantages. More specifically, there has been provided a mounting and drive mechanism for use in cylinder coating apparatus which permits independent rotation of the cylinder about its longitudinal axis and about an axis disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, the drive means for effecting these two rotations being mounted on a common support, preferably a stationary supporting surface. There also has been provided an improved apparatus for drying the coated cylinder and for directing liquid coating solution thrown from the cylinder to a point of collection whereby to minimize the amount of solution falling on the moving parts. All parts are readily accessible.

Although certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is to be limited only as set forth in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

l. In an apparatus for coating printing cylinders with a sensitized resist coating, a stationary support, a table rotatably mounted on the stationary support, said table having a supporting surface, drive means including a prime mover on the stationary support for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder for rotation on said table, and drive means for rotating said cylinder, said last-mentioned drive means including a prime mover independent of said first drive means and mounted on the stationary support in fixed position relative to said first prime mover.

2. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a stationary support, a table mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to said stationary support, drive means mounted on said stationary support for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position for rotation on its own axis upon said table` and rive means independently of said first drive means for driving said table and mounted on said stationary support for rotating said cylinder' about its own axis.

3. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a support. a table rotatably mounted on said support, driving means including a prime mover on the support for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder for rotation upon said table, drive means including a prime mover on the support for rotating said cylinder about its longitudinal axis, and an epicyclic gear train interconnecting said last named prime mover and said cylinder whereby to provide independently controlled rotation of said table about its axis and rotation of said cylinder about its longitudinal axis.

4. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a support surface, means mounted on said support surface for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table for rotation about the longitudinal axis of said cylinder, means for pouring the sensitized coating on said cylinder while said table rotates, drive means for said cylinder, and an epicyclic gear train interconnecting said cylinder and said last mentioned drive means to cause rotation of said cylinder about its longitudinal axis in a manner which is entirely independent of the operation of said first mentioned drive means.

5. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a support surface, means mounted on said support surface for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting n cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table for rotation about the longitudinal axis of said cylinder, drive means mounted on said support surface for driving said cylinder, and an epicyclic gear train interconnecting said cylinder and said last mentioned drive means to cause rotation of said cylinder about its longitudinal axis in a manner which is entirely independent of the operation of said first mentioned drive means.

6. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a support surface, drive means for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table, drive means for rotating said cylinder about its longitudinal axis, an epicyclic gear train connected to said cylinder drive means, and a clutch interconnecting said epicyclic gear train and said cylinder whereby to drive said cylinder about its longitudinal axis in a manner which is entirely independent of said table drive means.

7. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a support surface, means mounted on said support surface for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table for rotation about the longitudinal axis of said cylinder, means for pouring the sensitized coating solution on said cylinder while said table rotates, drive means for said cylinder mounted upon said support surface, an epicyclic gear train connected to said cylinder drive means, and a clutch interconnecting said epicyclic gear train and said cylinder whereby to drive said cylinder about its longitudinal axis in a manner which is entirely independent of said table drive means.

S. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, means forming a stationary support, a shaft rotatably mounted upon said stationary support, a table rotatably mounted upon said shaft, drive means mounted on said stationary support for rotating said table about the axis of said shaft, means for rotatably mounting a printing cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table, means drivingly interconnecting said shaft and said cylinder, second drive meansl independent of said rst drive means and mounted on said stationary support surface, and means drivingly interconnecting said shaft and said second drive means for driving said shaft whereby to cause rotation of said cylinder with respect to said table upon actuation of said drive means.

9. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a vertically disposed shaft rotatably mounted upon a support, a table mounted upon said shaft for rotation with respect thereto, means including a rotatably mounted axle for rotatably mounting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table, a pair of axle supports mounted upon said table and rotatably supporting said axle, a second axle mounted on said table and drivingly interconnected with said first axle, gear means connecting said second axle to said shaft, and means mounted stationary with respect to said support for rotating said shaft.

10. In an apparatus for coating cylinders with a sensitized resist coating, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a supporting surface, drive means for rotating said table about said axis, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position on said table, heating means mounted adjacent said cylinder in position to heat the surface thereof, and drive means for rotating said cylinder on its longitudinal axis, said last-mentioned drive means being independent of said first drive means and being nounted stationary with respect to said supporting surace.

11. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a support surface, means mounted on said support surface for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table for rotation about the longitudinal axis of said cylinder, means for pouring the sensitized coating solution on said cylinder while said table rotates, heating means mounted adjacent said cylinder for heating the surface thereof, drive means for said cylinder, and an epicyclic gear train interconnecting said cylinder and said last-mentioned drive means to cause rotation of said cylinder about its longitudinal axis in a manner which is entirely independent of the operation of said iirst mentioned drive means.

12. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a table rotatably mounted on a vertical axis for rotation with respect to a support surface, means mounted on said support surface for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table for rotation about the longtiudinal axis of said cylinder, means for pouring the sensitized coating solution on said cylinder while said table rotates, heating means mounted adjacent said cylinder for heating the surface thereof, drive means for said cylinder mounted upon said support surface, an epicyclic gear train connected to said cylinder drive means, and a clutch interconnecting said epicyclic gear train and said cylinder whereby to drive said cylinder about its longitudinal axis in a manner which is entirely independent of said table drive means.

13. In an apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders, a vertically disposed shaft rotatably mounted upon a support, a table mounted upon said shaft for rotation with respect thereto, means for rotating said table, means including a rotatably mounted axle for rotatably mounting a cylinder in a horizontal position upon said table, a pair of axle supports mounted upon said table and rotatably supporting said axle, a second axle mounted on said table, driving means drvingly interconnecting said tirst and second axles, gear means connecting said second axle to said shaft, means mounted stationary with respect to said support for rotating said shaft, and heating means mounted adjacent said cylinder in position to heat the surface thereof.

14. In an apparatus for coating printing cylinders with a sensitized resist coating, a frame, a table rotatably mounted on said frame, drive means for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder on said table, second drive means independent of said rst drive means and mounted on said frame in xed position relative to said first drive means for rotating the cylinder, electrical heating means for said cylinder, and means including relatively slidable members on the frame and table for energizing the heating means.

15. An apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders comprising a rotatably mounted support including a table txedly mounted upon said support, drive means for rotating said support to rotate said table, a gear mounted with its center of rotation positioned at the center of rotation of said rotatable table, second drive means, said second drive means rotating said gear, means for rotatably mounting a printing cylinder upon said table, and means drivingly interconnecting said gear and said rotatable cylinder mounting means to cause rotation of a mounted cylinder when said gear and said table are rotated relative to each other.

16. An apparatus for applying a sensitized resist coating to printing cylinders comprising a rotatably mounted support, a table xedly mounted upon said support, drive means for rotating said support to rotate said table, a gear mounted with its center of rotation positioned at the center of rotation of said support, second drive means for rotating said gear, means for rotatably mounting a printing cylinder upon said table, a shaft rotatably carried by said table, a gear mounted on one end of said shaft and engaging said rst mentioned gear, and means drivingly interconnecting said shaft and said rotatable cylinder mounting means to cause rotation of said mounted cylinder when said first mentioned gear and said table are rotated relative to each other.

17. In an apparatus for coating printing cylinderswith a sensitized resist coating, a stationary support, a table rotatably mounted on said stationary support, said table having a supporting surface and an axially disposed depending sleeve, a first prime mover on said stationary support and driving means driven by said first prime mover and connected to said depending sleeve for rotat ing said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder on said table for rotation about a horizontal axis, a second prime mover and drive means operated by said second prime mover and having a portion concentrically mounted with respect to the axis of rotation of said depending sleeve for rotating said cylinder about its own axis of rotation.

18. In an apparatus for coating printing cylinders with a sensitized resist coating, a stationary support, a table rotatably mounted on said stationary support, said table having a supporting surface and an axially disposed depending sleeve, a lrst prime mover on said stationary support and driving means driven by said rst prime mover and connected to said depending sleeve for rotating said table, means for rotatably supporting a cylinder on said table for rotation about a horizontal axis, a second prime mover and drive means operated by said second prime mover including a gear having a horizontal gear disposed concentrically with respect to the axis of said depending sleeve and rotatable relatively to said depending sleeve, additional gear means carried by said table and meshing with said last mentioned gear, said gear means drivingly connecting with the rotatable cylinder on said table for rotating said cylinder on its own axis and relatively to said rotatable table.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,084,642 Henderson June 22, 1937 2,146,285 Corbett Feb. 7, 1939 2,212,233 Henderson Aug. 20, 1940 2,218,165 Gaebel Oct. 15, 1940 2,356,946 Powers Aug. 29, 1944 2,446,476 Huebner Aug. 3, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS 17,867 Great Britain Oct. 22, 1898 

